The principle of praise and criticism in Islam
All praise is due to Allah. He is very holy, free from all kinds of faults. There is a possibility of both good and evil in human beings. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): Then He gave him the knowledge of good deeds and evil deeds. He who purifies himself will prosper. And he who defiles himself will fail. '(Sura-91 Shams, verses: 8-10).
Praise for quality and criticism for faults are normal. Islam has instructed people to strike a balance between praise and criticism. Proper praise of any time, place, object or person is in fact the praise of Allah. Because, he is the creator of all this. (Tafsir Maariful Qur'an).
Praising virtue demands honesty and morality. Allah Almighty Himself has praised many. Regarding Yahya (AS), he said, "He will be a supporter of the word of Allah, a leader, a worldly man and one of the virtuous prophets." (Surah 3 Ale Imran, verse: 39). The Prophet (peace be upon him) also praised the Companions. Hazrat Umar (RA) said about him, ‘Satan never follows the path you follow, but he leaves your path and goes the other way.’ (Bukhari, Hadith: 3294). Narrated Abu Huraira: The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, Jamuh and good man Muaz Ibn Jabal! '(Adabul Mufrad).
Gratitude is expressed in praise. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, ‘He who does not give thanks to man cannot give thanks to Allaah.’ (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 21331). Praise encourages good deeds. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, ‘What a good person Abdullah would have been if he had performed Tahajjud.’ (Bukhari, Hadith: 1156). Praise can be earned right. He said about Musa (AS), the daughter of Hazrat Shoaib (AS), ‘O father! You put it into action. Because the best of your workers is the one who is strong, faithful. '(Surah-26: 26)
Self-praise is to blame. Allah the Almighty says, ‘So do not boast, He alone knows best who is God-fearing.’ (Surah 53 Najm, verse 32). Praising criminals, sinners and wicked people is forbidden. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, ‘Do not call the hypocrite“ our leader ”. Because, if he is the leader, then you have angered your Majesty Allah. '(Abu Dawud, Hadith: 496). Praise seekers must refrain from praise. The Holy Qur'an condemns them, saying, "Those who rejoice in what they have done and love to be praised for what they have not done," They will be delivered from punishment. "Never think so. There is a painful punishment for them. '(Surah 3 Ale Imran, verse: 18).
When faced with praise, the only thing to do is to seek forgiveness from Allah for one's secret mistakes. When the Companions were praised, they would say, ‘O Allah! Forgive me for what they do not know, do not hold me accountable for what they have said, and make me better than they think. '(Adabul Mufrad, Hadith: 61).
Sometimes too much praise turns into flattery. Some take advantage of the situation, some fall prey to the situation or get into trouble and engage in unwanted praise. On the one hand, extreme gossip followed, on the other hand, face-to-face praise. Gossip and excessive praise tarnish people's personality and create chaos in the society. Islam has declared such an excessive act very reprehensible and forbidden.
Gossip or criticism includes unethical and anti-social activities. (Sura-104 Humaja, verse: 109). Criticizing someone is a terrible crime and a grave sin. In the Holy Qur'an, backbiting is likened to eating the flesh of one's dead brother. (Surah 49 Hujurat, verse: 12). The horrors of backbiting and criticism have been widely discussed in the books of Hadith.
The first and foremost and best thing to criticize is to criticize yourself. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, ‘The most intelligent of you is the one who criticizes himself.’ (Abu Dawud).
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